Protests over Israel’s assault on Gaza have ignited demonstrations on college campuses in the U.S. and have garnered support from Palestinian students in Gaza. The students in Gaza are finding strength and feeling proud to have the backing of their American peers. Messages of thanks have been sent from Gaza to the demonstrators in the U.S., with words of gratitude written across tents in refugee camps. The students in Gaza feel uplifted by the protests and are grateful for the solidarity being shown by students in America.
The demonstrations on U.S. college campuses have intensified amid increasing global criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 34,000 people over a duration of more than six months of conflict. While the protests have drawn accusations of antisemitism, student protesters deny these claims and assert that they are criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and not targeting individuals based on religion or ethnicity. In Gaza, the demonstrations have resonated with many who have endured the impact of the conflict and are encouraged by the support being shown by students in the U.S.
In Gaza, young students like Reem Musa Suleiman Abu Shinar, who had aspirations of studying human rights law to create positive change in her community, have been directly affected by the conflict. Her dreams were shattered when her school was destroyed in January by the Israeli military. Witnessing thousands of U.S. students advocating for an end to the war in Gaza and for divestment from companies profiting from the conflict has been empowering for Abu Shinar. However, she expressed concern for the academic futures of the American students, as she knows firsthand the impact of war on education.
The protests initially began at Columbia University in New York and have spread to at least 20 other college campuses across the U.S. Calls for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza and divestment from companies benefiting from the war have been central to the demonstrations. The protesters aim to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Encampments have also emerged at universities in Canada and France, indicating the global reach of the movement supporting the end of violence in Gaza and advocating for peace and justice in the region.
The protesters in the U.S. have faced backlash and accusations of antisemitism from some groups, but they maintain that their criticism is directed towards the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and not the Jewish community. The students in Gaza continue to watch the demonstrations closely, drawing inspiration and hope from the support shown by their peers in America. While the protests may stir controversy, they have succeeded in amplifying the voices of those affected by the conflict and raising awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The solidarity between students in different parts of the world reflects a shared commitment to peace, justice, and human rights for all individuals affected by the conflict in Gaza.
